Esther Rogers

Esther Hyte Jensen Rogers

May 24, 1916 – January 30, 2013

ESTHER HYTE JENSEN ROGERS passed away after a long battle with Alzheimer’s on Wednesday, January 30, 2013 in Salt Lake City, Utah at the age of 96. She was born on May 24, 1916 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Dutch immigrants, Willem and Hester (Boode) Hyte. Mom grew up in the East Millcreek area where her father owned a floral business. She graduated from Granite High School in 1934. After high school she worked at various jobs, but her favorite was assisting her father in his greenhouse/floral company where her love of flowers blossomed. Mom always loved having a yard full of a variety of beautiful flowers. She married Wilford Leroy Jensen on September 20, 1938.  Dad passed away September 14, 1973.

When her two sons were young she became interested in the art of making ceramics and so she searched the ceramic industry for the best instructor, signed up for classes, and went everyday downtown on the city bus for her lessons. Through the years she became a master in making porcelain figurines and lace dolls, winning several awards at state fairs. For over 60 years she owned Esther’s Porcelains where she enjoyed making and selling thousands of beautiful figurines. Mom was extremely artistic and enjoyed china painting as well. In the late ‘60’s she set up a ceramic shop at home where she could share her talent and several people were fortunate enough to become her students.  Mom was instrumental in assisting Florence Hansen start her porcelain figurine company, Hansen Classics, and she continued working there for a few years. She always had a love for music and enjoyed playing the organ and steel guitar. Mom was a 37 year breast cancer survivor, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and she
enjoyed her association with her Ward members.

She is survived by two sons, Carl Wayne Jensen, Sr. (wife Joyce), and Wilford Eugene Jensen; six grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren, one great-great-granddaughter, and several nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents; husbands; three brothers, Lawrence, Pete and Bill Hyte; and sister Johanna Sellers.

Services will be held at noon, on Tuesday February 5, 2013, at Cannon Mortuary 2460 Bangle Blvd. Salt Lake City, Utah. As per Mom’s request there will not be a public viewing. Internment: Mountain View Cemetery, Funeral Directors: Cannon Mortuary.